I intend to visit Chicago and from there Canada (Niagara Falls). Which is the nearest Border Crossing Point?

Question

Would like to know the nearest Canada Border Crossing point from Chicago (IL) USA. I am travelling by Car

Answer 1

We just did that and crossed at Port Huron/Sarnia.

Don't know if it's the closest, but it seemed to be the shortest route overall. We had to wait a good half-hour at the border though--the bilingual booth just beside us seemed to go a lot faster.

Answer 2

Well, I respectfully disagree with the other posters...lol.I live in Windsor, Ontario, and, contrary to the other posters, I think the Windsor-Detroit crossing is the speediest.  If you look at a map, you'll see that 1-94 basically parallels the Michigan-Ohio border.  It basically runs the width of the state.  True, if you stay on it it ends at Port Huron, and you can then cross via Sarnia.  But by doing this you are going close to an hour out of your way, as you will see on a map that I-94 as it approaches Detroit takes a northeast turn and puts you about an hour north of Detroit.  I travel this route frequently (Detroit-Port Huron) and it is almost an hour exactly.  Same thing when you enter into Sarnia; you are quite north of your route into Niagara Falls, and you then have to go southeast to hit the 401, so you are basically going way out of your way, in my opinion.

Your best bet, I think, is when you are entering Detroit to exit I-94 and take the John Lodge Expressway (US 10) south and follow it downtown and to the Detroit-Windsor tunnel.  Once on the Windsor side follow directions to Highway 401 which goes northeast.  You'll see plenty of signs on it directing you to Niagara Falls.

It's your option and you may decide you want to stay on I-94 as it will indeed take you to the Bluewater Bridge without changing highways.  But you are adding a considerable length of time onto your journey, 2 hours if not more.

Check out a map and hopefully you will see what I am getting at.  The Detroit-Windsor crossing is by far more direct.

Answer 3

I used to drive  Chicago to Toronto, so this route will work for you.

Out of Chicago on I 90 east, to I 69 north to Lansing, then I 69 east to Port Huron. Cross the Blue Water Bridge to Sarnia  , Ontario. Enter the Canadian customs inspection point  at the east end of the bridge.

Then take Ontario highway 402 towards London, at London merge on to highway 401  eastbound , to highway 403,  towards Hamilton, then change to the Queen Elizabeth Way towards  Niagara Falls, Ontario.

At Niagara Falls, follow the signs to the   " Rainbow bridge ' to enter the USA.

Jim B. Toronto.

Answer 4

I agree with the two other posters, cross Ontario via 403, 401 and 402 into Sarnia Ont cross the bridge to Pt Huron Mi and down I-69 then head west to Chicago...it is the fastest route.  

Your nearest border crossing is Niagara to Buffalo NY...that is a long route though to Chicago but doable.